Video Transcript

My name is Cindy and I had Lap-Band Surgery 16 months ago, and I have lost 108 pounds so far. And it has really changed my life, I’m much more active than I used to be. I feel so much better, I have much more energy, I can do all the things my kids always wanted to do. And I just feel so much better. My husband can put his arms around me now. And life is just great.

Being the fat person that I was, I mean you do obsess about food. It’s hard to go on a diet and try to restrict the amount of food I can eat, because yeah it’s all you think about, when do I get to eat again, when do I get to eat again. Lap-Band has gotten me past that. So that now eat everything that I want to, like they told us in the beginning. It was never a diet; it’s a change in how much you eat. So it can help me get past that, I was never able to do that before on my own. So now this does help me limit the amount I can get on my own in a nice healthy way. I try to eat better; I try to do what they tell me to do. I have more meat, less carbs and things like that. Eat more vegetables, so I do try to eat a lot better than I used to. But it does help me maintain those portions that I need, and it also makes me feel full longer so that I’m not hungry all day long.

I work from home on a computer all day long, my company is in Florida. And I can just snack all day long, because there wasn’t anything else to do. You know you eat when you’re bored, so now I don’t have that need anymore because I’m not hungry all day long. So it has really helped with that.

Video Transcript

Hi my name is Gareth, I had Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass 13 months ago. My total weight loss today is 120 pounds.

Before I had the surgery, I suffered with type 2 diabetes. I had very high blood pressure. I’m a soccer coach and a referee and I had trouble with the knee joints. Just basic pain from even laying down or exercise, whatever. Since the surgery, I am now not diabetic. My blood pressures runs at about 110 over 60 each time I have it checked. So all the medical problems seem to have gone away.

I get over things like colds a lot better, a lot quicker. I don’t pick up silly illnesses I used to pick up. I obviously don’t take any medication apart from the occasional headache medication, Tylenol, ibuprofen. My life now is completely different. I’ve been overweight since I’ve been nine years old. I weigh lighter now than I did when I was 12. I’m fitter now at 50 than I ever was as a teenager. Life is just so much better.

This is probably the best decision I’ve ever made to have this surgery. I have spent all my life struggling with weight, and anybody else who suffered the way I have being overweight and all the other things that associate with it. This is probably the best thing you could do. Maybe not the same surgery that I had. And I would categorically recommend this, to do this surgery. So if you’re contemplating it, you really need to do this surgery.

Video Transcript

Hello, my name is Christina. I had the Roux-en-Y procedure about 6 years ago and I’ve lost a little over 125 pounds.  I used to work in the apartment industry and I was required to walk flights of stairs and being that heavy, over 250 pounds, by the time I got to the third flight of stairs of the touring apartment it was pretty hard to talk much let alone breathe at that point. Once I had the surgery I saw a huge difference with being able to move and walk and breath. I really realize how miserable I was, before it never really hit me.  And I saw huge changes just six months after surgery.

For people that are looking to have weight loss surgery, I would tell them that it is a huge commitment, it’s a life long commitment and it’s a tool.  And you have to make the choice of weather you want to use that tool.  But I would definitely do it again and I would recommend it. If it’s the right choice for you to definitely look into it.

One year ago right about now, I was being wheeled into the OR to have my Gastric Bypass done.  How much a year has changed!  Thought I may wish to have lost a little more this year, 93 lbs is nothing short of a miracle.

Being down to about 170 – 175 range is a miracle to me.  I wanted to send you and all the staff there a big thank you.  I was looking at pre opp pictures of myself last night to make a little “No Snacking” sign (I thought that would be a good deterrent to stick that on the fridge door”…and I almost cried!  I have attached a before and after photo here, and just looking at this I can tell how much healthier I am.   I truly believe this has saved my life, and all of you at the office deserve a big

Thank You.  Not only for the surgery, but for answering any questions I might have, and always being willing to help.

Weight Loss Surgery Date – 2003

My Experience with Dr. Stewart

My first impression of Dr.Stewart was that this was a man that knew his stuff. He is obviously well-skilled in his field. He is soft spoken, but does not have a problem with explaining everything to you in great detail. His office staff is amazing. They are all super nice and really want you to acheive your goals. He has a great aftercare program, complete with a nutritionist on staff who is very nice and so helpful with all of our food questions. Dr.Stewart has left no stone unturned as far as explaining the surgery step-by-step and going over every risk. I have never had more faith or more confidence in a DR than with Dr.Stewart. While in the hospital, he would explain what should be happening each day as far as my walking endurance, what I could expect to eat (or not eat which is really the case) and pain management. I will recommend Dr.Stewart to any and everyone, without hesitation!!!! I’m so thankful that I found him. He has given me a new lease on life!!!!

My Journey

September 16, 2003

I had my surgery on the 8th. I’m so glad that it’s finally over and that I’m on the road to recovery. I’m actually doing really well, pain is gone, and I’m walking almost 2 miles a day. Can’t wait to see the numbers on the scale go down and to really start feeling healthy.

May 9, 2004

I know I haven’t been good at updating my profile. Now, 8 months later, and 141 pounds GONE, I’m doing beautifully. I have lost over 125 inches, 10 dress sizes, but gained so much in self confidence and happiness that I wish I had done this years ago!!! I’m hoping to get down to at least 200 by the end of the year and get pregnant with my second child. Life is GOOD!!!!

August 15, 2004

I’ve had a new picture added–I’m now down to 235 pounds. That’s 165 pounds gone forever!!!!!!!!!!! My weight loss has slowed down, but not stopped, and I’m still losing inches. I’ve had to buy so many new clothes here lately, it’s just not funny. This year has been such a whirlwind for me. We went to Disney for a week and a half in March and it was amazing. Rode every ride and not once did I complain of being tired or my feet hurting. Then in June we hit Six Flags–again, rode every ride and had a blast. Then in July we visited Hurricane Harbor. How nice it was to walk around in a swimsuit and play in the water with my daughter and husband. I’ve done things this year that I haven’t done in 15 years, and it’s so amazing. I’m so grateful for the chance to have my life again.

September 1, 2004

My one year anniversary is only 7 days away and I just found out that I’m 6 weeks pregnant!!! We are so thrilled. I’m excited to have a pregnancy where I’m not 350 pounds. This pregnancy should be a lot more enjoyable for me. My due date is April 25, 2005–a Spring baby!!!

December 24, 2004

Another year almost gone. I am 6 months pregnant and we just found out it’s a girl. No more weight loss lately, but no gain either. Baby is developing great and I have this cute little baby belly to prove that I’m pregnant (unlike my pregnancy 10 years ago when I was 350lbs and NO ONE could tell I was pregnant).

May 2005

I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl on April 14th. Her name is Rachel Grace, she was born weighing 6lbs 12oz and 18in long. She is absolutely perfect and the love of my life. I have already lost 15 pounds since having her, and find that I’m eating much less than when pregnant, which is good. I’m anxious to get back to losing more weight and going back to work looking better than ever. Of course, this means I’ll have to buy MORE clothes………oh well!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. Darrel Stuart from the Weight Loss Specialists is a quiet and gentle doctor. He is reassuring and easy to make peace with during nervous times.

Had open RNY on Dec 17th, 1998. Weighed 332#, since then I have lost 115# and have never been happier. I lost 12 inches off my waist and chest. I can now for the first time buy anything off the rack at the store to wear and not pay the higher prices.

4/7/04
I am 5+ years post op and still weigh #215!!!

My experience with Dr. Stewart

Dr. Stewart is a great doctor and a great surgeon. He did a wonderful job and I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting to have gastric bypass surgery!

March 7th 2006

I was 1 year out last month on Feb. 7th and I feel great! I went to my 1 years doctors visit last month and I have lost 150 lbs so far! I feel wonderful! I currently weigh 210 lbs. All my labs were normal and my B12 was up since I have been doing injections every 2 weeks.

Well Chris and I have officially started trying to get pregnant! We are really excited! I can’t wait to possibly even be able to look pregnant and not just look fat. LOL I have been doing lots of reading up on pregnancy after gastric bypass and I have had lots of labs to ensure that we are ok to start trying and on the right track….and so far so good! Next time I update on here I am hoping to update that I am pregnant and I am hoping to post my due date! So keep your fingers crossed and say your prayers for us please! Love you all and keep your good work too! Thanks everyone

My experience with Dr. Stewart:

Dr. Stewart and staff are wonderful.  He is very caring, while understated.  He is an excellent physician and surgeon.  His staff is top notch and they have an excellent after care program.

May 2007

Just over 10 months out and I am down to 168.   Who would have thought…  My BMI is 25 now… wow – that’s shocking.  I am starting to look at things differently now.  My mindset is changing for the better.  I am now starting to get adjusted to being normal sized.  Looking at pictures of myself now has been very helpful and enlightening.

My experience with Dr. Stewart

He was very friendly and knowledgeable…..He really emphasized the aftercare, they talked about it for several hours in the seminar. His program seems great and comprehensive.
He gave us a lot of information regarding the risks of all types of weight loss.  I would say both seem great.

My life before  surgery

‘Why WLS?’ That is the question I hear the most from my friends and family. ‘You’re not THAT big…’ Yet I hear them complain about losing their love handles, or that last 10 pounds. I am 26 years old and I have been a food addict for as long as I can remember. I have always used food as a coping mechanism against the sometimes-harsh realities of my life. However, this coping mechanism is slowly killing me. I have eaten my way into a size 24 on a 4’10 frame. I have terrible back problems, swollen ankles and feet, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, and I can barely keep up with my kids (I teach preschoolers). However, despite these issues, they were not the things that finally made my decision to go forward with WLS. It happened appropriately enough at a routine annual check-up. They weighed me, I had gained 10 pounds this year, and measured my height…I had lost an inch..to some people this would have seemed like a small issue and one you would hardly have noticed. However, for a short person an inch might as well be a foot. My weight was causing me to shrink..the increased pressure on the discs in my spinal cords were causing them to compress..hence the pain and the shrinking. I am only 26..if I gained any more weight the problems would worsen

December 2006

As the New Year approaches, so many things are happening its hard to keep up..but I’ll try…..First..my New Year’s plans…..I am going to Dallas for New Year’s Eve. My boyfriend and I are going to paint the town red, I am soo excited. I have never had a boyfriend on New Year’s Eve, this will be the first time I have ever had someone to kiss at midnight, which sounds kinda sad now that I ‘say’ it out loud but it illustrates how much things have changed for me since my surgery. I have truly taken my life back from the self-imposed and society-imposed black hole I had lived for longer than I like to remember.

My Experience with Dr. Stewart

Dr. Stewart is the greatest.  I would recommend him to everyone.  His staff is excellent.  Leah is the best!!!!

March 30, 2008

I wanted to send an updated picture.  I am now down to 196. I am feeling great! 

May 23, 2007

OK…so I have not posted lately.  Just wanted to update a little.

I have lost 92 pounds total.  Actually it would be 100 based on my highest weight from before surgery.

I feel great.  I do not regret having this surgery at all.  Would do it again in a heartbeat.

January 5, 2007

I am almost a month out.  I have only lost 20 pounds so far…kindof worries me.  I have lost lots of inches, which eventually has to mean that some more pounds will be coming off too. 

Me and the kids started working out at the rec center for NRH.  It’s cheap and has most of everything that I will need.  I am walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes and riding the bicycle for a mile.  I will increase this as I can.

I have not had any major problems.  I can tolerate most foods.  The protein drinks are not one of them.  Eating early in the morning is also not something that I can do.  After about 9 or 10 I can eat something for breakfast otherwise i will end up in the restroom.

I will check back in on my month anniversary to let you know if I reached my goal or not.

December 17, 2006

Wow!  Feeling great this morning.  I thought I would put my stats in so that I could keep a good record. My weights I am suppling both Dr./Hospital weights and home weights separately because of the slight difference.

December 16, 2006

I am 3 days post-op and feel great.  I got to come home last night and wow….so glad to sleep in my bed.  I am a little tired right now, but I have been up all morning.  Guess, I need to rest a little.
I am so glad I am on the losing side now.  I will also be glad when my stomach incision is not hurting. 
I told Jeanette that I was not going to get on the scale until at least Wednesday.  Well, thought I better see where I am at based on my scale, since it reads different that the hospital scale.  So, it shows that I am 330 lbs, which before surgery it showed 340.  That makes me happy.
So far no complications, no nausea….smooth sailing so far.  I won’t hold my breath though.
Thanks Dr. Stewart…YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!